Bolton Council is proud to announce Visit Bolton as the official tourism partner of this year’s Bolton Food and Drink Festival – the town’s flagship event.
The partnership marks a milestone year for Bolton Food and Drink Festival as it celebrates its 20th anniversary - aligning with the borough’s bold new Visitor Economy Strategy and the re-launch of the Visit Bolton website.
VisitBolton.com offers residents and visitors a simple way to discover the best of Bolton. During Bolton Food and Drink Festival, it will be an especially useful tool for planning a personalised itinerary packed with places to stay, eat and explore.
With the festival attracting over half a million visitors in previous years, local businesses are encouraged to take advantage of a free listing on VisitBolton.com. A listing will provide the opportunity to boost local connections and grow audiences whilst the spotlight shines on Greater Manchester’s biggest town over August Bank Holiday weekend.
For the last 20 years, Bolton Food and Drink Festival has taken over the town, fusing street food, drinks, music and entertainment for the whole family to feast on.
This year, iconic TV Chef, Marco Pierre White will make his festival debut and event favourite James Martin will return for an impressive 15th year, each taking to the stage for live cooking demos plus a Q&A from Marco Pierre White.
Regional chefs from across the North West and beyond will also be serving up free live cookery demos, sharing their culinary know-how with festival-goers across all four days.
The event programme is packed with special events, including the return of the ever-popular Faulty Towers Dining Experience and the crowd-pleasing Sheer Luck Holmes murder mystery, plus a gala dinner on the Friday night set to be a standout moment.
Author, wine expert and presenter Helen McGinn, aka Knackered Mother, will also be hosting a wine tasting and afternoon tea in the iconic Albert Halls.
Visitors can experience a global selection of food, drink and artisan crafts across the festival’s stalls, with outdoor bars and live music from the likes of 90’s boy band East 17 and Odyssey, the legendary disco and soul group.
Families can enjoy free activities from Bolton Library and Museum and The Octagon, while roaming street performers will bring added fun and entertainment throughout the town centre.
Bolton Council’s Executive Member for Culture, Cllr Nadeem Ayub said:
“Bolton Food and Drink Festival is the jewel in our cultural crown - a vibrant celebration of our town’s creativity, hospitality and community spirit.
“Visit Bolton as our official tourism partner in our landmark 20th year not only strengthens the festival’s offer but also supports our wider ambition to put Bolton firmly on the map as a must-visit destination.
“We look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors to experience everything Bolton has to offer.”
Entry to Bolton Food and Drink Festival is FREE.
Tickets for the special events taking place throughout the weekend including live chef demos are available now via the Bolton Food and Drink Festival website.